An Ancient Oil Made Modern

Castor Oil’s hand-shaped leaves and reputation for healing have given this ancient oil the nickname “Palm of Christ.” Cultures all over the world have used the oil- derived from the seed of the plant- for everything from skincare in the cosmetic industry to digestive care as a laxative. Edgar Cayce popularized the use of castor oil in the 1940’s and 50’s, especially in the form of castor oil packs. Today, many healthcare practitioners are rediscovering the benefits of using real, therapeutic quality castor oil in ayurveda practice and for holistic medicine. It is truly one of the earth’s most versatile healing gifts – both inexpensive and easy to use.

How it Works

Through the lens of Ayurveda and pharmacology, castor oil has a variety of ways that it helps heal. The chemical compounds in castor oil and its Ayurvedic qualities give it the following properties and effects:

Botanical Name: Ricinus Communis

Sanskrit Name: Eranda Tailam

Part Used: Seed

Rasa: Sweet, Pungent, Astringent

Virya: Cooling (externally), Heating (internally)

Vipaka: Sweet

Consistency: Thick, Sticky, Gooey

Color: Clear or amber

Key Actions of Castor Oil

Purgative, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, anti-rheumatic, laxative, immune stimulant, insecticidal, anti-viral, labor-inducing, anti-allergic, anti-parisitic, rejuvenative, anti-aging, germicidal, disinfectant, and analgesic are the remedial attributes of pure castor oil.

Pharmacological and Medicinal Use of Castor Oil

•      Cleanses the Colon
•      Removes Stagnation and Blockages in the GI tract
•      Stimulates Lymphatic Circulation
•      Relieves Constipation
•      Breaks up Scar Tissue
•      Reduces Inflammation in the Joints
•      Relieves Pain and Inflammation in the Muscles
•      Helps Grow Eyelashes
•      Moisturizes and Thickens Hair
•      Helps with Menstrual Cramps
•      Reduces Bloating & Stomach Cramps
•      Helps with Dry Itchy Eyes
•      Topical Treatment for Skin Infections/ Sunburn
•      Natural Beauty Remedies
•       Promotes Restful Sleep

The Top 5 Ways To Use Castor Oil for Home Care

Now that your curiosity is peaked- here are some of the ways I recommend castor oil be used at home.

1.  Home Detoxification to Decrease Ama

Castor oil is often an essential part of an Ayurvedic home cleanse due to its incomparable purgative properties. This powerful laxative is used specifically to cleanse out the colon, and to flush out excess toxins and Pitta (heat) from the body. It is recommended to use only under the guidance of a knowledgeable health practitioner.

2.  Skin Care

Castor oil has been used widely in the treatment of many skin disorders including psoriasis, eczema, severely dry skin, ulcers, bug bites, unwanted sun spots, sunburns and wrinkles. Combining castor oil with neem oil is effective for dandruff and dry itchy scalp. Mixing it with coconut or jojoba oil or your favorite mask is a perfect way to apply to skin.

3.  Joint Pain

Castor oil – a powerful anti-inflammatory agent which can be taken internally or applied externally, also has a strong affinity for the joints. Ricinoleic acid, which is defined as the main fatty acid found in castor oil, has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that when castor oil is applied externally to joints, inflammation and pain can be reduced.

4. Eyebrow, Eyelashes and Hair Thickener

For long beautiful lashes, thick eyebrows and luscious thick hair, apply a little castor oil to your eyebrows, lashes and hair. The proteins and fatty acids in castor oil nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Use 100% organic cold pressed ‘hexane-free’ sterile castor oil as it works best for all your beauty treatments.

5. Care of PMS, Stomach Cramps and Bloating

Castor oil can be massaged on the body externally to help ease PMS related pain. Depending on the severity of the pain and discomfort, the most effective results can be achieved by using a castor oil pack. See the “How To” section to learn how to make your own castor oil pack.

Castor Oil- “How To’s”

How to Make a Castor Oil Pack

• Apply an ample quantity of Castor oil to the affected area of your body.
• Cover with a flannel cloth,
• Apply mild heat using a hot water bottle or heating pad for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Curious about the details?  Check out this video link for a more detailed explanation.

How to Make Castor Oil Cookies for Constipation and Regularity

¼  cup organic castor oil

½ cup raw coconut palm sugar

½ cup water

½ tsp salt

1 tsp.baking soda

1 tsp. freshly grated ginger

2 cups organic wheat or any flour of choice

Mix all ingredients well to make a dough. Spoon onto a cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes.

Eat 2-3 cookies after dinner to help regulate bowels and help with constipation.

Safe for kids too!

Recipe by Dr. Manisha Kshirsagar.

Castor Oil Cautions

• Castor oil is relatively safe, but it can cause side effects in some people.  Consult your medical practitioner first before deciding whether to use this oil.
• Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid use if you have hypersensitivity, GI obstruction or perforation, severe impaction, symptoms of appendicitis abdominal surgery, ulcerative colitis and rectal fissures.
• Only use 100% organic, cold pressed, hexane free castor oil from a reputable source- do not harvest yourself due to its extremely high allergenic qualities.

Reference:  

The Oil That Heals: A Physician’s Successes With Castor Oil Treatments

Ever wondered why there is an upsurge in complicated diseases? Auto-immune problems, hormone imbalances and many other complications are on the rise despite recent medical advancements. There can be many reasons to diseases and disorders, but there is one clear and present danger. Plastic!

The Dangers of Plastic

Decades of using plastics have affected our health in a myriad of ways. According to a study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives, newborn infants have hundreds of chemicals in their blood. The contaminants include the plastic additive bisphenol A or BPA, which is known to mimic the hormone estrogen and cause developmental problems and precancerous growth in animals. Most plastic products release harmful chemicals that interfere with your hormones.

Why is plastic so dangerous?

Plastic is a man-made long chain polymer manufactured from petrochemicals or petrochemical by-products. The chemicals in plastics are known endocrine disruptors. They change hormone functions resulting in serious problems like infertility, obesity, and cancer.  

We use many different types of plastics.

Based on the resins used for their manufacture, plastics are typically divided into seven types.  

1.  PETE or PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate – Used for milk, water and soft drink bottles, food wrapping and packing, and kitchen storage containers.
2.  HDPE – High Density Polyethylene – Food and drink containers, detergent, shampoo, cleaners and bleach bottles, poly bags and garbage bags.
3.  PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride – Plumbing, flooring, electrical fittings and cables, interior décor, furniture, clothing, shoes and slipper soles, kitchen utensils and dinnerware, construction material, kids toys and games and many more.
4.  LDPE – Low Density Polyethylene – Mostly used in packaging of prepared food like frozen food, cheese, meats, bread etc.
5.  PP – Polypropylene – Packed foods, microwavable trays, upholstery and furnishing in the  home, office as well as your car.
6.  PS – Polystyrene – Insulation material used in building construction as well as fast food packaging, disposable cups, plates and cutlery, egg trays etc.
7.  Others – All others which are not included in the above list. Like polycarbonate which is widely used in bottling, food packing, home furnishing, construction material, automobiles, computer hardware, electronics, consumer goods, aircraft and many other industries.

How Plastic Destroys Your Body

The toxic chemicals used in the manufacture of plastic cause major diseases and dysfunction. The toxins stay in the body as the liver does not know how to break down the chemical constituents. Over a period of time, the toxins start mimicking the hormones in the body which leads to complications. Some of the related health issues can include:

• Autism
• Autoimmune conditions
• Obesity
• ADHD
• Prostate & breast cancer
• Premature breast development in young girls
• Infertility
• Pregnancy complications
• Birth defects

Research confirms that many potential health problems can be solved by simply avoiding plastics.

Avoiding Plastic to Reduce Personal and Planetary Exposure

While all this information may seem daunting, there are ways to avoid and reduce plastic use. Taking small steps can help reduce our planet’s plastic load as well as our personal exposure to plastic pollutants.

If you are wondering where to start, here are some key small steps we can all adopt:

1. Choose glassware and stainless steel for leftover food storage
2. Use cookware made from stainless steel, cast iron, earthenware or stoneware
3. Use cloth or reusable grocery bags
4. Avoid packaged foods that have a plastic wrap, instead make your own cloth, plant leaves or beeswax coverings
5. Shop local or organic farmers markets instead of buying pre-packaged fruits and vegetables from grocery stores
6. Recycle and re-use

Plastic affects your health as well as the health of our planet. Buying plastic products means saying ”yes” to pollution and health sabotage. Let’s stop the self-destruction by stopping our habit of buying plastics.

Are you ready to break up with plastic?

What suggestions do you have to help reduce and live a plastic-free lifestyle?

Share below!

References

Yang, C., Yaniger, S., et al. Most Plastic Products Release Estrogenic Chemicals: A Potential Health Problem that Can be Solved. Environmental Health Perspectives. July 2011. 119(7), 989-996.